Hong Kong calling: Deputy Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology Marion Lai says ITU Telecom World 2006 is expected to bring enormous benefits.

ITU Telecom World 2006 is expected to attract up to 60,000 visitors, generating about $900 million of direct economic benefit for Hong Kong, Deputy Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology Marion Lai says.

The International Telecommunication Union is organising the expo, to be held at the AsiaWorld Expo at Chek Lap Kok from December 4 to 8.

Speaking to the media today, Mrs Lai said the exhibition, held once every three years, is the most prominent global telecoms, as well as information and communications technology, event.

With the support of the Central People's Government, Hong Kong won the bid to host the event. It will be the first time the event has taken place outside of ITU's home base in Geneva since its launch in 1971, she said.

The show's theme is 'Living the Digital World', and it will create a platform for showcasing the strengths of the local information and communications technology and related industries and for international exchange, she said. It will also highlight Hong Kong as the gateway to the vast Mainland market.

Global telecoms hub

It will also strengthen Hong Kong's international status as a global telecoms hub, and the world's events capital, she added.

Mrs Lai said preparations for the event are going well, with all 66,000 square metres of exhibition space leased out. More than 600 international telecoms and information and communications technology companies will showcase their latest products and technologies at the exhibition.

"The event may attract up to 60,000 visitors, comprising 35,000 to 50,000 trade visitors, 2,500 forum delegates, 2,000 VIPs and 1,500 international media representatives, generating about $900 million of direct economic benefit for Hong Kong.

"The event will also bring enormous intangible benefits, reinforcing Hong Kong's image as Asia's world city, a telecommunications, financial and business hub, as well as the gateway to the vast Mainland market," Mrs Lai said.

Tours to Mainland planned

A business facilitation programme will be organised for participants, to enhance their understanding of the Mainland information and communications technology market, and to provide pre-event and onsite exchange platforms for local, Mainland and overseas trade visitors.

Seminars, service and product presentations will be delivered at the Hong Kong, China Pavilion during the event week. Tours to Shenzhen, Shanghai and Beijing will also be arranged to visit the leading telecoms operators and equipment manufacturers in the Mainland, Mrs Lai said.